Tbilisi City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for five prominent opposition figures: leader of the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement Paata Burchuladze, former Chief Prosecutor Murtaz Zodelava, “National Movement” member Irakli Nadiradze, “Strategy Aghmashenebeli” leader Paata Manjgaladze, and Colonel Lasha Beridze. The ruling was delivered by Judge Lela Maridashvili following a hearing on October 7.
The prosecution, represented by Vazha Todua, argued that imprisonment was necessary due to the risks of the defendants fleeing, committing new crimes, or destroying evidence. He presented video recordings as confirming material evidence. Defense lawyers strongly opposed the motion, describing the charges as politically motivated and demanding that their clients be released without any restrictive measures.
All five defendants addressed the court and rejected the accusations, insisting on their innocence.
Prosecution says Zodelava, Burchuladze, and Nadiradze have been charged under Article 19-222, Part 2(a) (attempt to seize and block strategic and particularly important objects, committed by a group), Article 225, Part 1 (organization and leadership of group violence), and Article 317 (incitement to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order and overthrow the state government). Each charge carries a sentence of up to nine years in prison.
Lasha Beridze faces charges under Article 19-222, Part 2(a) and Article 225, Part 1, while Paata Manjgaladze is charged solely under Article 225, Part 1. These offenses also carry a maximum sentence of nine years.
The arrests and court rulings come amid heightened political tensions following the October 4 events in Tbilisi and the disputed local elections, which drew widespread international criticism.
